The old dieters saying goes, everything is okay in moderation! But usually people ban themselves from alcohol at summer barbecues or picnics for the unwanted extra calories that can quickly add up. Not a bad idea if you typically overdo it on the drinks, but if you are choosing to moderate your alcohol intake and still watch your waistline, there are ways you can responsibly enjoy yourself. Throughout the last decade or so, marketers have come up with a multitude of light alcoholic products that cater to every type of dieters needs.
In addition, studies have shown that moderating drinking can help improve longevity and greatly reduce disease, heart attacks, strokes and even some forms of cancer. Moderate, responsible drinking is typically one to three drinks, consumed over the course of a few hours and typically includes a 12 fl oz beer, a 5 oz glass of wine or 1.5 oz of 80 proof distilled liquor. All three have the same alcohol content. [1]
Here are a few lighter options that may work for you:
Light Beer: Depending on taste, carbs and calories you have your options. Light beer has become especially popular with beer advertisers using famous athletes as spokespeople to prove that even the most physically fit kicks back every once in a while.
Some of the light beers listed have been chosen by Women's Health Magazine as the best tasting light beers (based on 12 fl oz):
Select 55, 55 cal 1.9g carbs; MGD 64, 64 cal 2.4 g carbs, Michelob ULTRA 95 cal 2.6 g carbs; Miller Lite 96 cals 3.2g carbs; Budweiser Select 99 cals 3.1g carbs; Bud Light Platinum 137 cals 4.4 g carbs [2]
Slimming Cocktails: With a catchy slogan such as "drink like a lady" skinnygirl cocktails are a great option for a girl who wants to enjoy a casual cocktail without the guilt of a 400 calorie martini. The skinnygirl collection boasts vodka with natural flavors, ready-made cocktails including sangria and margarita and a wine collection. These are great light options, but moderation should always be observed, an average martini glass (depending on how you fill your own glass) can range from 5 to 8 ounces per glass and an average wine glass can hold anywhere from 4 to 6 ounces.
Nutrition facts from skinnygirlcocktails.com read as the following:
All Products: Protein 0g, Fat 0g
Vodka with Natural Flavors (per 1.5 oz): Calories 75.8, Carbs 0g
Cocktails (per 1.5 oz): Calories 35.5, Carbs 1.8g
Sangria (per 5 oz): Calories 132, Carbs 22.5g
Wine (per 5 oz): Calories 100, Carbs 5g
Moderate drinking is a choice to socially drink and not a reason to overindulge. The above article is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as advice. Consider health issues and lifestyle before drinking any alcoholic product. If you think you may need help with an alcohol problem you may want to consider investigating a non 12 step program.
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